Several Badgingarra residents told The Sunday Times two detectives investigating unsolved mystery visited the town on Tuesday.

“They were detectives from the special crime squad and they were asking about an early model Holden Commodore ute, up to 40-years-old,” one resident said.

A police spokesman said in response to the claims: “WA Police is not in a position to elaborate on vehicles of interest at this time.”

Ray Gibbs, who owned the Badgingarra Tavern when Hayley went missing in 1999, said everyone hoped the case was resolved soon.

Mr Gibbs, who sold the tavern several years ago, said he felt for Hayley’s mum Margaret.

“Every time there was an anniversary (of Hayley’s disappearance) Margaret would call into the pub and I got to know her very well,” Mr Gibbs said.

“I really feel for that woman I really do.”

Other residents who spoke to The Sunday Times this week said they were not living in the town in 1999, but said they knew people who saw Hayley on North West Rd and in the township the day she vanished.

“You’d think somebody would know something” one local said.

Another said: “Everyone wishes it was resolved for the families sake.”